Oklahoma!! (lots of pictures)

Over the weekend of February 20th we went with our friends, the Bakers, to Oklahoma for a little rock climbing trip. I had only been once before so I was not sure what to expect but it turned out to be so much fun! Its this cute little town in Oklahoma about 2 hours from our house. The town has this "lake" in the center of it with rocks to climb all over and cute bridges and wonderful views of the Wichitas. The first day we got there was Sunday so we just explored the town. Threw rocks, climbed on rocks and just walked around. We found this cool tree and took some fun pictures in it. Not everyone was as equally excited as others to be up in it but it was still pretty cool. On Monday Jared and Jon got up early and set up the climbs and Michelle, me and the kids ventured out a little later. It was cold but the kids still had a blast! There is a cool canyon at the bottom of one of the climbs with a little creek that the kids had a blast playing in. All in all it was a super fun 2 days and we cant wait to go back!

Poor Michelle had to help Jared get up.

But what a stud he is!

There are remnants of an old jail in the middle of the town that the kids had a fun time exploring.

One of the beautiful views of the weekend.

No fear baby!

That is Jon up there setting up leads. Trying to keep Harlee from falling off...

Playing in the canyon...

Ella going up.

Thats the highest I have made it. I have never considered myself afraid of heights but I get very nervous up there. I am getting better though.Harlee really really wants to climb but this is the extent of her climbing for now.

Breil going up!

Valentine's Day 2011

For Valentine's Day this year Jared and his friend Jon planned a fun Valentines Day date. It started with my friend Michelle and I sitting in the back of the van wondering where our dates were. Eventually we rec'd a ransom text with a clue to find our husbands and off we went on a scavenger hunt. We had to find a clue underneath a treadmill at 24 hour fitness, inside a book (in the romance section) of Barnes and Noble. We had to go into a place called the Flying Saucer (a bar) and drink milk, dig a clue out of a cow statue, and perform other various tasks before we found our husbands. When we did they were in a park and had yummy Pei Wei and nice music and flowers for us. Apparently they were following us the whole way taking pictures. Most of the pictures didnt turn out so good but these were ok. It was such a fun date and I really loved the time and effort that they put in to it! It was a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Snow February 2011

In North Texas we usually get a little bit of snow every winter. It usually totals a couple of inches accumulated through the entire winter. Last winter we had a lot and so that usually means that the next year we wont get very much. That was not the case. We had record snowfall and the kids missed a whole week of snow. The crazy thing was this wasnt our only snowfall for the winter.

This is our street.
The kids did a lot of playing outside but they did a lot of lounging outside. The electric companies implemented rolling blackouts. They were only supposed to last a short while but we went without for a couple hours. It was about 10 degrees outside so it started to get pretty cold inside so we couldnt open the doors and let them out to play.

We played Wii, board games, etc.

Its a good thing we have family up north that we visit. We were fairly well stocked up on snow clothes for a bunch of southern folks.

Ellas baptism! 1-1-11

On January 1, 2011 my baby girl was baptised! I can't believe the day has come. I was so proud of her for the choice she made to be baptised. It was New Year's Day so not a lot of people were able to be there but my nana and papa Burton drove in from San Antonio and that was very special for Ella. David came too! He had to leave right after but he was still able to come. It means so much to me that he is able to come to the kids memorable moments. We love David so much!

Breil and Harlee were so proud of her and now can not wait to be baptised! She set such a good example!

My mom and dad gave her scriptures. My nana and papa Clanton gave all of the grandkids scriptures for their baptism and I am glad my mom has carried the tradition of her mom on to her grandkids. It makes them so special.

Daniel came. Daniel is a rockstar in our home so she was excited he came!

Nana and Papa Burton from San Antonio. They have only missed one big event in my kids lives and it was because they were in Hong Kong on their mission. It means so much to me that they have made it a point to be in my kids lives.

My dad, my gpa, Jared and Daniel were part of the confirmation.

And of course I needed a picture of all my kiddos with my gparents.

Proud mom and dad!

Christmas 2010

The kids woke up to surprises from Santa and a lot of presents awaiting them under the tree. It is always interesting to me the things they ask for from Santa. Ella asked for a Kaya doll and Breil wanted Creepy Crawlers. Its a good thing he asked Santa for that because I didnt even know what they were!

Harlee asked for Dora jammies. I am sure Santa loved her simple request. She couldnt have been happier!

Ella and Breil both asked for Ipods and after a lot of discussion and thought we decided to do it. I have not regretted it! They have been great!

Harlee got a lot of fun dress up clothes and clothes in general. By then end of the morning she had put them all on. My mother in law made this skirt for her and she wore it with this sweater all day long. She was so cute about it!

She finally got a bike!

We spent the day at home. I could not have asked for a better Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2010

This year we stayed home for Christmas. It was so nice to not have to worry about travel or anything like that. For Christmas Eve we went to my moms house and had a nice Christmas dinner. Since I was a kid my dad has always told the story of the birth of Christ and then my mom always plans fun games and activities. So, we had dinner, played games and then had a spiritual lesson on the birth of Christ. The perfect blend of fun and the spirit!

Breil only sees uncle Chris once a year but every Christmas he gets so excited and barely leaves his side! I love the bond they have.

Harlee was helping grandpa with the puzzle. She is so helpful!

After we left my moms we went home and opened...

Our Christmas jammies! We made cookies for Santa and his reindeer.

Santa left some fun toys in return...

And look at all those presents!